And so it continues. The Mexican NT have been unable to interrupt freed from their shackles towards the harder, extra orderly squads. With a 2-1 loss in Girona to a Swedish aspect who didn’t even qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Mexico have closed out their prep matches and are set to journey to Doha tomorrow the place they are going to face Poland to open up their WC subsequent Tuesday.
Many would assume Mexico got here out and “manned” the match from the start. And regardless of the actual fact they did have overwhelming ball possession (65%), it actually by no means translated into actual hazard. Within the first half, that they had 4 or 5 approaches that resulted in makes an attempt straight to keeper Nordfeldt. A whole lot of passing, sure. A whole lot of working, sure. However nothing that ever gave you a way of dominance. It was extra a results of Sweden sitting again and permitting Mexico to return at ‘em. And within the uncommon events the Swedes did go ahead, they put El Tri’s protection in a pickle. And that foreshadowed the second half.
With Raúl Jiménez, Hirving Lozano, and Andrés Guardado all approaching to begin the second 45 minutes, it appeared as if Mexico have been primed to take full management and put this one away. Jiménez was gradual on the ball, did not get into place appropriately, and appeared terribly out of rhythm. Lozano appeared quick and was very concerned, however merely did not create house between himself and LB Augustinsson. His teammates didn’t assist both. And Guardado performed a pair good balls (one in every of them to Lozano), however may be very restricted in what he can do these days, contemplating his lack of velocity and total effectiveness on the wings. He was additionally the wrongdoer in turning the ball over for Sweden’s first aim.
By way of Mexico’s aim, it was a terrific heads up play by Herrera, who meant to place the ball precisely the place he did, giving Alexis Vega the benefit to go 1-on-1 with the keeper, who in the end transformed into the underside nook. However the truth it got here on a fortunate bounce on a unfastened ball header Luis Chávez misplaced towards Jesper Karlström leaves you questioning about Mexico’s lack of ability to make good selections with the ball within the remaining third.
And with 6 minutes + stoppage time to go, Mexico’s largest enemy towards these world class groups confirmed up but once more: set items. Now, I’m nonetheless making an attempt to know how off a nook towards one of many tallest groups on the planet, 6 ft 3 inch Emil Holm could possibly be left as huge open as he truly was. In case you take a look at the replay, the dude wasn’t even touched till he headed it backward to an open Mattias Svanberg, who masterfully kissed the ball into the underside nook of the aim.
And Mexico didn’t method Sweden’s aim once more. It was a show of what we’ve seen the final couple years, and has progressively gotten worse. In case you’re Mexico, you simply misplaced to the nation ranked twenty fifth by FIFA, and appeared totally inferior (to not point out inept) in all phases of the sport. They didn’t even take their full squad, didn’t begin their greatest gamers, and beat you with so little. How is it doable Mexico are 12 spots forward of Sweden within the FIFA rating? To not point out, you’re days away from dealing with twenty sixth ranked Poland (who beat Sweden 2-0 for his or her WC spot) and third ranked Argentina, however I digress.
So, what DID I like from immediately’s pleasant? 1) It’s clear Alexis Vega must be beginning reverse from Hirving Lozano on the wings. He actually confirmed up immediately (in addition to within the Iraq sport), appeared prepared on each play and created a way of hazard everytime he touched the ball, whether or not a move or a shot. 2) Luis Chávez. Man, did Pachuca get it proper with this dude. It virtually appeared he didn’t miss a single move. He was nicely positioned, wasn’t afraid to take part, and was on course in all of his lengthy passes, to not point out pictures on aim. You’ve gotta love this man’s perspective on the pitch. 3) Regardless of failing to make an affect immediately, Lozano seems sharp and fast when he takes the ball, That’s all you’ll be able to ask for for those who’re Martino. Simply hope he does make one within the WC.
What else DIDN’T I like? 1) Your complete defensive position. Sweden sat again for a lot of the match, however each time they determined to be vertical, they brought on all kinds of chaos down in Mexico’s field. And so they did it at a 50% effort tops. Think about in the event that they’d trailed in some unspecified time in the future. 2) Héctor Herrera. It’s so unhappy to see how a lot of a dip his profession has taken. He misses so many passes and is so inefficient with the ball. He was once such a risk outdoors the field. This regardless of his nice help on Vega’s aim. Plus all the things else I’ve already talked about.
The subsequent time Mexico take the sector, it’ll be for actual. You by no means know what can occur in soccer. A purple card, an personal aim in your favor, and people forms of issues may help you to a greater consequence than anticipated, particularly in these quick tournaments just like the World Cup. But when logic reigns, Mexico must be out of the cup earlier than they even tackle Saudi Arabia. With that being stated, hope is the very last thing that dies.
Mexico 1, Sweden 2: an omen
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